REPORT: Hitchin 1-1 Stevenage

Stevenage started their pre-season with a 1-1 draw against neighbours Hitchin Town, Blair Turgott levelling matters late on with a spectacular goal on his debut.

Darren Sarll named five debutants in the starting XI with Joe Fryer, Joe Martin, Alex Samuel, Harry Beautyman and Danny Newton all making their first appearance for the club.

Tom Conlon also played his first game since August 2016, coming back from an ACL injury he suffered against Luton at the start of last season.

Luke Wilkinson was the first with a sight of goal, his header falling into the arms of the Hitchin keeper.

On 6 minutes, both sets of fans joined together for a minute’s applause in the memory of Bradley Lowery who sadly passed away on Friday.

The first 20 minutes saw no clearcut chances for either side but Stevenage were on top and asking questions. Tom Conlon was enjoying his return, spraying the ball about in the middle of the park and getting away a few shots on goal.

On the half hour, Ronnie Henry’s whipped in cross was met by Alex Samuel, whose glancing header fell wide of the post.

Mark McKee drew a few ‘ooohs’ from the crowd on 36 minutes after a lovely piece of skill to beat his man. He then fed a pass out wide for Joe Martin to bend in a cross that Harry Beautyman couldn't hit the target.

With 43 minutes gone, Wilkinson again found himself in the opposition’s penalty area, this time unable to make the most of a free header from six yards out.

On the stroke of halftime, Tom Conlon stood over a free kick on the edge of the box, which skimmed agonisingly wide.

The second half saw wholesale changes to the team, with James Ferry and Blair Turgott stepping out in red and white for the first time alongside a youthful side.

On the hour, Chris Day was called into action, getting down well to stop Walster’s free kick from the edge of the area. Hitchin were growing into the game and soon took the lead.

Connor Vincent set up Trey Charles in the 65th minute, who cut in from the right and continued forward to tuck away from a tight angle.

With under 10 minutes to go, Blair Turgott lit up the second half, picking the ball up from the halfway line and weaving in between defenders to blast into the far corner for a debut goal.

Almost immediately after, Chris Day pulled off a wonder save, stretching to stop Trey Charles’ long range effort from nestling into the net.

That was the last meaningful action as the game ended 1-1, a solid start to Boro’s pre-season preperations.